Court Allows Capitol Riot Defendants at Inauguration

As Donald Trump's second inauguration approaches, at least 20 individuals charged or convicted in connection with the January 6 Capitol riot have sought permission from federal judges to attend the event. While 11 defendants have been granted permission, several others have been denied, with prosecutors arguing that allowing them to return to the site of their alleged crimes could lead to further violence. Among those permitted to attend is Deborah Lynn Lee, who has a history of inflammatory social media posts but has not shown violent behavior since the riot. Prosecutors have emphasized the risks of mob violence, with one stating that the defendants could easily find themselves in another volatile situation. Trump's inauguration day may coincide with his potential issuance of mass pardons for Capitol rioters, complicating the legal landscape for attendees. The situation underscores the ongoing divisions in American society regarding the events of January 6 and their aftermath.